CD Executive Retreat Seminar Lineup Includes Timely Topics for On-Point Education

San Diego — Less than 75 days to go until the Chauffeur Driven Executive Retreat returns to the Golden State on May 6-8. This year, we’ll be setting up base at the Pendry, a mod hotel from the ultra-luxe Montage Hotels & Resorts set in the heart of San Diego’s hip and historic Gaslamp District.

While our retreats are renowned for their plentiful networking opportunities and always-unique local experiences, the true takeaway is in our educational component. Our Education Committee has finalized the sessions for this year’s retreat, and they are sure to give you some exclusive and cutting-edge takeaway that will add value to your day-to-day operations. Special thanks to our Platinum Sponsors Grech Motors and Ford-Lincoln Limousine and Livery Vehicles for their help in making this year’s Executive Retreat another not-to-be-missed event.

We’ll kick things off Monday morning with a session tackling the ever-important question of “Are You Making Money?” With financials being an evergreen, always-crucial topic to explore, our first session will provide an in-depth examination of your bottom line. After his engaging session at last year’s retreat, we knew that we had to ask industry veteran Dawson Rutter, president of Commonwealth Worldwide, back to share more of his valuable insight. This time, he’ll be joined by Jessica Boulerice, financial consultant for The LMC Group, for a seminar that will have you taking a closer, critical look on the financial health of your company and identifying how to bolster your profit.

Dawson Rutter

Jessica BoulericeAfter a quick financial primer to keep everyone on the same page, operators will be asked the all-important question: Do you truly know your gross profit margin down to the percentage point? From there, Rutter and Boulerice will share the top 10 KPIs that every owner/executive should be tracking monthly as well as the top five things you can do today to improve your profitability. Other topics include an overview of market forces and the tools needed to analyze clients for profitability. Lastly, the session will also touch upon the cost of carrying A/R debt for too long, the importance of factoring in payment type, when to say no to clients (or even fire them), and when to avoid an RFP.

On Monday afternoon, we’ll delve into “Safeguarding Your Company From Sexual Harassment”. As the #MeToo campaign and current events have thrust a once-taboo subject into the limelight, this HR/legal session will accordingly help you understand why it’s an important topic to tackle.  With help from HR expert, Ann Plunkett of Workplace Partners, and legal specialist, Brooke Keil of Emerson Hospital, you’ll chart a course through the murky waters of sexual harassment in the workplace.

Brooke Keil

Ann PlunkettThis session is designed to help you and your staff protect yourselves from making any accidentally offensive remarks or moves and brush up on behavior befitting professional environments. Plunkett and Keil will also identify the difference between harassment and abuse, and work toward the goal of preparing you for day-to-day interactions that respect the social boundaries both inside the workspace and outside the office at industry and non-industry events. Even those who feel they’ve sidestepped major problems so far would benefit from this primer on how to deal with claims of abuse and harassment, how to keep avoiding them, and respectful procedures for dealing with victims.

With Millennials quickly accounting for a significant portion of the workforce, understanding them will become increasingly important over the next decade, both in terms of employment and marketing your company. Tuesday’s first session, “Seizing Opportunities With Millennials, Hospitality & Tourism,” gives you a chance to learn from a distinguished academic about this largely untapped generation.

Our innovative presenter, Jeffrey Montague, is the founder of Temple University’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management and serves as Assistant Dean of the program. He will offer some insight on how to harness their social media savviness, branding the hospitality industry accordingly, and understanding the Millennial thought process itself. Moreover, this session will also cover how to find talent by working with similar university programs across the country. Even if you think you know how to connect with the youngest parts of the workforce, you’re certain to receive tons of takeaway. This seminar will be moderated by CD Education Committee Co-chair Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide.

Jeffrey MontagueThe educational portion of the retreat comes to a close late in the morning as we introduce Executive Retreat attendees to The Executive Game, an interactive, one-of-a-kind educational experience brought to us by our friends in the Strategy Leaders business management consultant group.  This activity puts you in teams for a hands-on opportunity to demonstrate your leadership skills while steering your virtual company toward success—and comfortable retirement!  How will you stack up against your industry peers? You’ll have to play to find out!

Remember, the Chauffeur Driven Executive Retreat is capped at 200 operators—and space fills up fast. Registration is now open at the early bird rate of $799, which is in effect until March 16, 2018. Rooms are available for $249/night for the duration of the retreat, with extended stays dependent upon space availability. Head over to our website to register and get up-to-the-minute information.

Visit sandiegoretreat.com for more information.

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GCLA Holds Annual Legislative Day

California operators headed to Sacramento to lobby for the industry
Sacramento — Members and supporters of the Greater California Livery Association (GCLA) took to the state capitol February 21 for its annual Day on the Hill. CD’s Industry & Brand Ambassador Philip Jagiela was among those lobbying for The Golden State’s operators.

Prior to the legislative day, a board meeting was held February 20, where new GCLA President Mo Garkani of COTS Group highlighted the primary issues to address the next day.

The next morning, Nidia Bautista of the Senate Energy Committee, Nick Zangani of California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Transportation Enforcement Branch, and Edmond Cheung of the Assembly Conveyance Committee met with and spoke to GCLA members before they headed to the capitol to brief them on what to expect from the day and how to maximize their efforts.

L to R: Don Mahnke of ABC Worldwide Transportation, CD’s Industry & Brand Ambassador Philip Jagiela, Robert Gaskill of Motev, and Perry Barin of MusicExpress
The Day on the Hill itself was packed with meetings to tell senators, assembly members, and their staffs to demonstrate the unity of the statewide ground transportation industry, educate them on not only the issues operators face but also what the industry does, communicate the GCLA’s positions on specific legislation, and demonstrate continued support for Lobbyist Gregg Cook of Government Affairs Consulting and his dedication to representing the GCLA’s interests throughout the legislative year.

While TNCs were not among this year’s focal points, safety issues within the transportation sector remained at the forefront of the day’s message as part of the discussion about duty of care and the ongoing need for both Department of Justice background checks and monitoring for-hire drivers. There was also a call for supporting the CPUC, specifically its budget request to hire between six to eight enforcement officers and its efforts to increase enforcement overall.

After the whirlwind day concluded, participants regrouped to discuss the fruits of their labors and detail their meetings.

Check out the March issue of Chauffeur Driven for expanded coverage of this event.

The next GCLA meeting will be March 13 in Las Vegas.

Visit gcla.org for more information.

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In Memoriam: Thomas “Tom” Harrison Smith (1946-2018)

Thomas “Tom” Harrison Smith (1946-2018)Long-time industry fixture Tom Smith passed away on February 16.  Smith was the owner of Prime Transportation, a Washington, D.C.-based company that he founded in 1983. At the time of his passing , he was a resident of Fort Washington, Md.

“[Tom] was a long time member of our association and event when his health slowed him down, he made an effort to attend our meetings along with national trade shows,” said Virginia Limousine Association President Paul Walsh. “Tom was a person that wanted to help new members and had a passion for the chauffeured transportation industry. Anyone who had the opportunity to speak with Tom could feel this genuine passion that he openly shared.”

Smith is survived by his wife, Charlene Hall Smith; son, Travis Smith of Brandywine, Md.; daughter Trisha Watkins (Alan) of Wake Forest, N.C.; daughter Angie Isaacs (David) of Huntersville, N.C.; brother Kenneth Smith of LaVale, Md.; brother Michael Smith (Aarti) of Centreville, Va.;  grandchildren Draven Smith, Hannah Isaacs, Michelle, Allison, and Ryan Watkins;  and numerous nieces and nephews.

A service is scheduled for February 27 from 6-8 p.m. at Lee Funeral Home Clinton, 6633 Old Alexandria Ferry Road, Clinton, Md.

Chauffeur Driven would like to extend our condolences to his family and team at Prime Transportation.

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A List Worldwide Names New Operations Manager

Operations Manager Guy KarpelLos Angeles — A List Worldwide Transportation has announced the promotion of Guy Karpel to the role of operations manager. Company President Avi Karpel believes that Guy’s unique communication skills and his calm way of handling business has given him many friends in the industry and earned the respect from A List’s employees.

“I am proud to see the way Guy has brought his unique skills and put them to work continuing the A List legacy,” said Avi.

In this new position, Guy looks forward to expanding A List’s affiliate partnerships while continuing to foster the company’s existing client relations.

“A List’s goal for the last 21 years has always been to exceed our clients’ expectations while providing them piece of mind. Our long-term relationships and the loyalty of our affiliates is based on A List’s performance day-by-day, ride-by-ride.”

Guy believes that A List’s approach customer service stems from a program his father Avi put in place three years ago.

“All A List employees have vested interest in the company through corporate shares, which gives each employee a voice in the company as well as personal empowerment. This allows A List to provide the ultimate in customer service.”  

Visit alistlimo.com for more information.

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Rudy’s Executive Transportation Shares Advantages of the New Tax Plan

Rudy’s Executive Transportation CEO Roy Spezzano (right) with employee Katie DeFilippisStamford, Conn. — Rudy’s Executive Transportation has developed a way to make the new government tax plan work to their—and their employees’—advantage.

Each year, the company funds an employee health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) that reimburses employees for their out-of-pocket medical expenses and health insurance premiums. Because Rudy’s completely funds its HRA, there is no employee contribution required. With the new tax initiatives, this year Rudy’s HRA will provide $1,500 for individual employees and $3,000 for families to use in paying their medical expenses.

“Even with the continually rising costs of healthcare, Rudy’s has been able to reduce our out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. Our health insurance premiums have been reduced while at the same time, our deductibles have been lowered, providing us with better and less expensive coverage,” according to Rudy’s employee, Katie DeFilippis. “I know it’s really helped me and my family and I’m sure it’s helped many others as well.”

Rudy’s Executive Transportation CEO Roy Spezzano credits the new tax plan and its reduction in the corporate tax rate for making this possible for his company. According to Spezzano, “We never could have done this without the initiatives provided in the new government tax plan. And this is exactly what the plan is supposed to do, what it is meant to do. It was designed not only to help businesses, but more importantly, to help businesses help their employees, their workers, the people who have to provide for their families.”

To further help its employees, Rudy’s handed out bonuses to each of its 120-plus chauffeurs, as well as to the 40 people who work in Rudy’s office. Bonuses average over a thousand dollars for each driver and an average of four thousand for the office employees.

Spezzano adds, “Rudy’s has been in business serving the tri-state area for over 60 years and it’s been our employees, our staff, and our chauffeurs who have been primarily responsible for our success. I’m happy to give something back to them and I appreciate the new tax initiatives making that possible.”

Visit rudylimo.com for more information.

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ACCESS Expands Into Boston

ACCESS Boston President & CEO Lisa Censullo
San Diego — ACCESS Destination Services has announced that it is expanding into Boston to expand its presence in the northeastern U.S. market.  Best of Boston Events, a Dav El/BostonCoach Company—ranked as the #1 Meeting and Event Planning Company by the Boston Business Journal for 12 consecutive years—will become ACCESS Boston. 

The new ACCESS Boston will draw on its 30-plus year history of providing best-in-class DMC services in the greater New England area.  The team, which has successfully managed tens of thousands of events over this time, will continue to be led by Lisa Censullo, president & CEO.

ACESS Destination Services President & CEO Chris Lee
“We are very excited at the opportunities that working with ACCESS will bring to our customers, and our business,” said Censullo. “ACCESS literally invented the term ‘destination management’ and we look forward to expanding beyond our New England roots with our new partners and brand.”

ACCESS President & CEO Chris Lee commented that, “We’re very fortunate to have Lisa and her team join forces with ACCESS. Their long-term industry experience, extensive local knowledge and focus on customer service is well established. ACCESS’ continued growth comes from our commitment to add partners like ACCESS Boston, whose values and vision complement our own. We’re pleased to once again respond to our clients’ requests and ensure that we can be where they want and need us the most.”

Visit accessdmc.com for more information.

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Custom 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris Displayed at Toronto Auto Show

Toronto — Limousine/bus builder Absolute Styling has announced that it will be displaying its new custom 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris luxury conversation van at the Canadian International Autoshow, scheduled for February 16-25 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The Vancouver-based company will exhibit the vehicle at the Mercedes-Benz Canada space on the trade show floor.

Absolute Styling President & CEO Lorenzo Armani said the van was met with enthusiasm at the Montreal Auto Show in January. “This Metris is our own conversion and design. It was fully tested and approved by both Mercedes-Benz Canada and Transport Canada.”

The six-person van is loaded with a full array of features, including suede interior and fully powered Benz seats with power leg rests, back massage, and heated chairs.

“We’re the only company here in Canada that does this kind of conversion,” added Armani. “Ultimately, our goal is to have vehicles in showrooms throughout Canada. We have a big presence in Western Canada and in the Mercedes-Benz corporate showroom, but we want to be on display across the country.”

Following the showing in Toronto, the certified Master Upfitter will demonstrate its new Metris at the 2018 Vancouver International Auto Show at the Vancouver Convention Centre (West) from March 28-April 1.

Visit absolutestyling.com for more information.

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